Michael Carrick has said he is “over the moon” that Kobbie Mainoo has committed his future to Manchester United and believes the midfielder epitomises the club.
Mainoo signed a new five-year contract on Thursday, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2031. But United risked losing the midfielder until Carrick returned in January, when Mainoo had still not started a league game this season.
The England international has been a key part in their subsequent revival and Carrick thinks Mainoo maintains United’s traditions of bringing through gifted young players.
He said: “I’ve been hugely impressed with Kobbie since I’ve been here. I’ve known him quite some time in different capacities. He epitomises this football club, young players coming through the academy, living and breathing the club, and coming through with real talent. Last couple of games he’s been fantastic. Everyone is over the moon with that, including me because he deserves it.”
Mainoo has scored in an FA Cup final win for United, and Carrick hopes that, over the course of his career at the club, he lifts more silverware, as he hinted he would like the 21-year-old to remain at Old Trafford even beyond his new deal.
“Hopefully he’s here for a long time and part of a successful team that wins trophies,” he added. “That has to be the aim; it’s not going to be straightforward, but that’s the challenge. For Kobbie to keep pushing and keep improving. We want to be competing for the biggest of trophies.”
United host Liverpool on Sunday, with Carrick optimistic that Matheus Cunha, who missed Monday’s win over Brentford, will be able to return, but with defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez out through injury and suspension, respectively.
“Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we’re hopeful,” he said. “Mata is still a bit further and not involved in the game.”
